What is this??

Msmerek · Jun 25, 2017

Hi there I just have a quick question. I have had my tank up and running almost 2 years now it's a 75 gallon with all the bells and whistles. My question is what the heck is this stuff it just popped up on a live rock that has alot of life on it. It popped up about 6 days ago and is getting kind of freaky looking. It's the white tree looking things. Thanks in advance for any advice

Cory · Jun 25, 2017

Looks like a sponge

Msmerek · Jun 25, 2017

That's what I was thinking but I haven't been able to find one on the net that looks like it. I'm sure hoping that's all it is. Lol

Cory · Jun 25, 2017

Msmerek said:
That's what I was thinking but I haven't been able to find one on the net that looks like it. I'm sure hoping that's all it is. Lol

Most things growing on rocks are harmless ime. Has it got little spongy holes?

Msmerek · Jun 25, 2017

Hard to tell. Definitely has like an inner tube surrounded by an outer soft spongy type tube around it. Looks kind of cool if only it was a different color.

Cory · Jun 25, 2017

Msmerek said:
Hi there I just have a quick question. I have had my tank up and running almost 2 years now it's a 75 gallon with all the bells and whistles. My question is what the heck is this stuff it just popped up on a live rock that has alot of life on it. It popped up about 6 days ago and is getting kind of freaky looking. It's the white tree looking things. Thanks in advance for any advice

If you thouch it is it flexible or hard like rock?

Msmerek · Jun 25, 2017

Flexible and soft but definitely has a twig like feel to it. If that makes any sense at all

Cory · Jun 25, 2017

Msmerek said:
Flexible and soft but definitely has a twig like feel to it. If that makes any sense at all

Yes makes sense. Probably a sponge if it doesnt have polyps.

If you want to keep it alive you can dose small amounts of sodium silicate which sponges use to grow their structure. Also phytoplankton dosing for food is good. But it seems to be doing fine as it is.